Babu Owino family, lawyer storm Wang’uru police station demanding MP’s release

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino's family stormed Wang’uru police station in Mwea, Kirinyaga County Thursday morning, demanding the release of the legislator who was allegedly held there.

They were led by Owino’s wife Fridah Ongili and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru. Ongili says she last spoke with her husband late Tuesday night when he called to inform her of his arrest and detention at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

She said the MP was travelling to the capital from Mombasa but was not told the reason for the 11 pm arrest.

“He said he would call me after that if he would be able to, but his phone went off and it has not been on since,” Fridah told Citizen Digital.

Demanding an audience with the OCS, Njiru said they would not leave until they were given information about Owino’s status, the reason for arrest and the charges he was facing.

At the same time, the lawyer said he had received information that former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga was also being held at the station.

Njiru said Maina was arrested in Ngong, Kajiado County, at his father’s residence Wednesday evening and driven at night to the Wang’uru police station.

“What is so unique about this police station? There have been cases of people being killed here and we are apprehensive about the safety of Owino and Njenga,” said the lawyer.

Owino’s wife had earlier pleaded for help from leaders in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, with which the MP is allied, saying he has done nothing wrong to warrant arrest.

This is amid suspicion that the MP’s arrest is in connection with the three-day anti-government protests called by the opposition beginning Wednesday to picket against the high cost of living.

"The only problem is we have information that he's likely to be transferred now that we know where he is so I'm praying to God that he will just stay here," Fridah said. 

"My plea to Azimio leaders, Raila Odinga, (do) what you can do to please assist my husband to be free... to the government... you are the ones holding him illegally. All I want is to give my husband food and to check on him...to see that he is safe, " she said.